Daily
Santa Barbara
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Direct Relief based in Santa Barbara earned a perfect 100 percent rating from Charity Navigator for 2025, marking its 15th consecutive Four-Star designation. The nonprofit is one of only four organizations nationwide recognized for strong financial accountability, transparency, and humanitarian relief efforts. KEYT
- ➤ Santa Barbara resident Tracy Hobson, who once experienced homelessness, now volunteers with county winter campaigns to deliver donated clothing and sleeping bags to those in need. Her ongoing work builds trust and provides essential support during the cold months. KEYT
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation urgently seeks community support to raise nearly one million dollars to sustain life-saving animal programs amid a budget shortfall. In 2026 the nonprofit will host fundraisers & install DIY pet microchip scanning stations to help reunite lost pets. Noozhawk
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Lovebird Boutique, in the Presidio area since 2009, is now led by Nancy Burgner and Peter Gaum, who continue founder Jennifer Scarbrough’s vision after her passing in 2020. The store, next to historic Casa De la Guerra, attracts locals and visitors with its timeless fashion and friendly community feel. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Photographer Macduff Everton and artist Mary Heebner will sign the updated 376-page Book of Santa Barbara at Lost Horizon Bookstore (539 San Ysidro Rd., Montecito) on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. The volume captures 15 years of local history with rare archival images and fresh event photos. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Peña Flamenca la María featured local experts leading improvisational sessions of Tangos, Alegrías and Bulerías at the Covarrubias Adobe at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum on Nov. 20, 2025 (drawing dancers of all ages). Future peñas will offer more chances to experience authentic flamenco. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Soprano Anastasia Malliaras and mezzo-soprano Xeni Tziouvaras will perform at a Greek Christmas concert at Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church (1205 San Antonio Creek Road) at 3 p.m. Dec. 13, with a reception of traditional pastries to support AHEPA's cultural programs. Noozhawk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Carpinteria Seal Rookery beach is closed from Dec. 1 through May 31, 2026 under ordinance 470 to protect pupping harbor seals. Visitors can use the open blufftop trail and viewing area (covering a 750-foot range with a 1,000-foot offshore buffer) for safe seal watching. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara’s Ordinance Committee voted unanimously on Dec. 2 to review a draft ordinance that bans small plastic bottles, Mylar balloons, plastic bags, and foodware that cannot be composted. If approved, the rules will require reusables at restaurants and add water refill stations plus grants to ease the transition. Edhat
- ➤ CHP Buellton Area is using grant funding to launch a traffic safety campaign that targets the top crash factors on US 101, State Routes 1, 154 and 246 in Santa Barbara County. The project (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30) uses enforcement and education to lower injuries and fatalities. Santa Barbara Independent
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The five-bedroom coastal retreat at 150 Cedar Lane sold for $3.99 million on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The single-level estate (3,027 sqft) offers ocean, harbor and city views. Edhat
- ➤ In October, Santa Barbara County posted a 26.7% surge in median home prices, making it the fastest-growing market in the state and highlighting a strong luxury segment with a notable $60 million celebrity estate sale. Statewide, home sales showed modest gains as mortgage rates fell. Edhat
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Earlier Wednesday evening, Westmont Women's Basketball started PacWest play with a 66-40 win over Concordia at CU Arena. The team will host four home games starting Saturday, Dec. 6 in a doubleheader with the women's match at 1:00 p.m. and the men's contest at 3:00 p.m. Noozhawk
- ➤ UCSB women beat Long Beach State 67-52 on Thursday at the Big West opener, extending their win streak to six games. Coach Renee Jimenez said the team must improve rebounding and finish possessions, and they will play at Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday. Noozhawk
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Indigenous Market
11 a.m.-3 p.m. — 3227 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA — Free admission — Celebrate local native artists and enjoy vibrant traditional performances at this cultural arts fair.
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Christmas Mariachi Festival
7-10 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Pre-sale available — Experience a festive evening with El Mariachi Estrella de Mexico and the largest mariachi in the world.
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Sounds and Stories of Greek Christmas
The program includes traditional Christmas music, rarely performed Byzantine hymns, and Greek holiday carols. Performing will be Opera Santa Barbara director Kostis Protopapas; Santa Barbara-born mezzo-soprano Xeni Tziouvaras who returns home from Florence, Italy for this festive holiday concert and acclaimed soprano Anastasia Malliaras who recently performed at the Granada Theater with the Santa Barbara Philharmonic.
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8th Annual Winter Music Showcase
6:00-7:30 p.m. — The Granada Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the winter season with an evening of live musical performances.
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Introduction to Spring 6, Spring Boot 3, and Spring REST Class
December 15th - 19th — GSA Training, Santa Barbara, CA — Call for pricing — Enhance your programming skills with comprehensive training on Spring technologies.
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3rd Friday’s Lunch Hang
12-1:30 p.m. — The Cruisery, 501 State St, Santa Barbara, CA — Free entry — Meet locals in your 20s and 30s for lunch and great conversation while making new friends.
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Christmas Day Buffet
12-7 p.m. — Finch & Fork — Reservations recommended — Celebrate the season with a lavish buffet featuring seafood, carving stations, and delectable desserts.
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The Gift of Christmas Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Ticket pricing varies — Experience an unforgettable evening with Jim Brickman featuring holiday classics and heartwarming stories.
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New Year's Eve Celebration in Santa Barbara 2025-2026
3:15-5:15 p.m. — Celebration Cruises — $110 admission — Enjoy a Champagne Cruise with breathtaking views as you toast to the New Year.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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